Research Fellow in Synthetic Supramolecular Chemistry

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,348 to £42,155. With potential progression once in post to £44,737 a year. Grade 7.

Fixed Term Contract up to 3 January 2026

Closing date: 2 October 2022

A postdoctoral research position is available in the group of Dr. Pike at the University of Birmingham in area of synthetic supramolecular chemistry. Synthetic oligomers that adopt stable helical conformations in solution are termed foldamers. Foldamers have found widespread applications in supramolecular chemistry as sensors and receptors and in materials science. In this work, the PDRA will develop a new class of foldamer with the potential to regulate these functions, for example by switching off or on the ability of the foldamer to sense of biologically important molecules.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Synthetic organic chemistry
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars and other events
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding

Person Specification

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Candidates should hold a first degree in a physical sciences subject as well as a PhD in Chemistry
• High level analytical capability
• Experience in synthetic organic chemistry is essential and supramolecular chemistry is desired.
• The ability to communicate scientific findings in a clear manner and to execute research projects to a high level.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Sarah Pike for further information (s.j.pike@bham.ac.uk ).

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button below or visit our careers website; https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/16/?utm_medium=jobshare , please quote Job Ref 100279 in all enquiries. 

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment 

The University of Birmingham is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, and the School of Chemistry welcomes flexible working to suit family or other commitments. The University has on-campus childcare facilities. The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of its work in promoting women’s careers in STEM subjects in higher education.